CMAS* SCUBA Diver
CMAS * SCUBA Diver or just CMAS * is an entry level diving certification for recreational SCUBA issued by Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS). CMAS describes the standard as "a diver who is competent in the safe and correct use of all appropriate open water scuba diving equipment in a sheltered water training area [and] is ready to gain open water diving experience in the company of an experienced diver", and advises that teaching of the practical skills "should take place in a swimming pool or confined water with swimming pool like conditions".[1]
The certification allows diving down to 20 metres (66 ft) with a CMAS**[citation needed] or to 40 metres (130 ft) with a CMAS***,[citation needed] but does not include training in night diving or use of nitrox as both skills require higher level certification. CMAS * training is available from two sources. Firstly, from national diving federations affiliated to the CMAS Technical Committee (known as CMAS Federations) using their member diving clubs, their member instructors where the federation is exclusively an instructor organisation or by agreement with independent underwater diving training organizations.[2][3][4] Secondly, from specially accredited dive centers known as CMAS Dive Centers (CDC) who use dedicated CMAS training materials and who directly issue CMAS diving certificates.[5]
Course details
The course covers the following theory topics:
- the selection, purpose and function of diving equipment;
- the purpose and use of diving signals;
- diving physics;
- the function and use of scuba equipment;
- the mechanisms of respiration and circulation;
- the use of buoyancy devices;
- comparison and selection of diving suits and ancillary equipment;
- methods for care and maintenance of equipment;
- accident prevention, self-rescue and buddy rescue – including theory of emergency ascent, towing, expired air ventilation and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation;
- diving procedures, the role of dive leader, importance of planning and preparation;
- selection of dive sites, the effect of weather and tides, importance of conservation;
and the following practical skills:
- snorkelling;
- assembly and fitting of scuba equipment;
- entry and exit;
- swimming with scuba;
- buoyancy;
- clearing and replacing mask and mouthpiece;
- using a secondary air supply;
- controlled buoyant lift;
- towing and landing a casualty;
- employing expired air ventilation and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
Following the training, five successful open water dives are required to complete the certification.[1]
The course has the following minimum requirements:
- Theory lessons totalling 385 minutes;
- Practical lessons totalling 480 minutes;
- Five open water dives.[1]
Recommended curricula
Although the CMAS* Diver standard is a minimum requirement, individual CMAS Federations may recommend or require higher standards or extra coverage for their entry-level certification to suit local conditions and requirements. For example, the Sub-Aqua Association in the UK requires the theory and prevention of decompression sickness, including basic use of dive tables.[6] In the Nordic region, the certificate CMAS* Nordic SCUBA Diver is awarded, as the course is more extensive (at least six dives) and the course includes curriculum for cold water diving.[citation needed]
References
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